Sesbania species as potential hosts to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in Tanzania

In two glasshouse studies, Sesbania accessions were compared with a susceptible tomato cultivar as hosts to Meloidogyne javanica and significant variation in root galling was observed.

Abstract

In two glasshouse studiesSesbania accessions were compared with a susceptible tomato cultivar as hosts toMeloidogyne javanica. Inoculating the growth medium with either infective juveniles or egg masses resulted in significant differences in root galling and egg mass production. The accessions could be grouped into moderate and poor hosts. Growth of roots was also depressed by the infestation. In a field study on a nematode infested site, significant variation in root galling was observed. Infestation was lower in plants growing on ridges than those on flat land. The studies indicate that continued cultivation ofSesbania may lead to a build up in soil root-knot nematode populations.